Proposition 134 Empowers Rural Arizonans to Make Their Voices Heard

Out-of-state special interest groups are increasingly targeting Arizona during election cycles, spending millions to influence local ballot initiatives. These groups typically need only a few million dollars—an insignificant sum for wealthy donors—to fund signature collection efforts by paid circulators. This often leads to an overwhelming concentration of activity in Phoenix and Tucson, sidelining the voices of residents in other parts of the state.

Arizona’s citizen initiative process is notably distinct. With fewer than half of U.S. states allowing such practices, Arizona stands out not only for its ability to adopt initiatives but also for its protective measures. In 1998, voters approved the “Voter Protection Act,” a constitutional amendment that restricts the legislature from altering any voter-approved measure without a supermajority. Amendments must also align with the initiative’s original intent, requiring potential changes to be put to another vote.

Among the twenty states that permit citizen initiatives, eleven enforce a signature distribution requirement. This mandates that signatures must span various regions rather than being concentrated in a single urban area. Adopting similar measures in Arizona could ensure a more equitable representation of its diverse population in the initiative process.

Advocacy for implementing a Geographic Distribution requirement for signatures is gaining traction. Implementing such a policy could promote broader public engagement and diminish the influence of external interests in local governance.